LINDA TOOLEY

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LINDA TOOLEY (July 27, 1948 - December 25, 2009) The happiness of the drop is to die in the river. After demonstrating inspirational courage during a short fight with cancer, and surrounded by friends and family, Linda peacefully slipped away to a better place on Christmas Day. Born in Grace Hospital on Arlington Street to Doris and Bill Pankiw, Linda grew up on Alfred Avenue in Winnipeg's North End, attending Margaret Scott School, King Edward School and Tec Voc. She worked in radio, advertising, retail and during the 1980s, created and operated IF you have to get dressed in the morning, Winnipeg's premiere vintage clothing store on Corydon Avenue. For the last decade, as film liaison for the City of Winnipeg Film and Special Events Office, Linda negotiated City services that helped smooth the making of everything from major motion pictures to director's first films to music videos and commercials. An ally of the arts and film industries, she felt comfortable with creative people. Video art and photography were her personal artistic outlets. She had a keen eye for incongruent scenes, architectural details and sky/earth connections. Linda was creative, witty, empathetic, capable and kind - qualities the world needs now more than ever. Linda had a special affinity for animals. She adored her cats Teedy and Tulu, knew the names of all the neighbourhood pets who could always count on a chin scritch from Linda. She loved to explore the prairies. Her favourite hiking spot was the Spirit Sands to which she returned time and again. Linda had a spiritual connection with nature that kept her strong, focused and helped her through her final journey. Predeceased by her father in 1994 and her mother in 2004, Linda leaves to mourn her loving husband and life partner of 33 years Reid Dickie, best friend Kenny Boyce, dear friends Garcea Diehl and Alex Rosales, aunts, cousins and scores of good friends too numerous to mention. Her family thanks the doctors, nurses and unit assistants at Health Sciences Centre GA5 and at Riverview E3 for their compassionate care, and all of Linda's friends and co-workers who sent expressions of healing, love and concern. She appreciated every one. A private service will be held later. In lieu of flowers, Linda suggested a donation to Quagga Stray Cat Rescue (204-237-1958), D'Arcy's Animal Rescue Centre (204-888-2266) or a charity of your choice. What we were, we are. What we had, we have. So when you walk the woods where once we walked together And scan in vain the dappled bank beside you for my shadow, Or pause where we always did upon the hill to gaze across the land, And spotting something, reach by habit for my hand, And finding none, feel sorrow start to steal upon you, Be still. Close your eyes. Breathe. Listen for my footfall in your heart. I am not gone but merely walk within you

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2009